Resources

Discussion Questions

The first story Walls tells of her childhood is that of her burning herself severely at age three, and her father dramatically takes her from the hospital: "You're safe now" (p. 14). Why do you think she opens with that story, and how does it set the stage for the rest of the memoir?

How does your family deal with tragedy?

On page 12, the mother says, “‘…I should have a say in how you’re raised’” (Walls 12). Should the mother have a say in how her daughter is raised now that we’ve learned what her parenting techniques are like?

What would your family take with them if they had to get up and leave wherever you live?

Think about your family. Are there any instances where people don’t get along? Why didn’t they get along? Was it resolved? If so, how?

Have you ever had to move around? If so, how did it affect your family?

What kinds of things does your family do to strengthen bonds?

What types of personalities are in your family?

“It’s the Joshua’s struggle that gives it beauty.” Does this quote apply to you or your family?

How would you describe your parents' greatest strengths? What are examples of how their strengths positively influenced you?

What brought your parents the most happiness? What did you learn about happiness from your parents?

Discuss the mentors or outside role models that the Walls children encounter in the book. Have students reflect on the importance of having a mentor and think about who has been pivotal in their life, either as a mentor or role model.

On one hand Jeannette Walls describes the squalor she and her family lived in: hunger, poverty, garbage, lack of basic necessities. On the other, she describes the rich intellectual world her parents imparted: discussions of geology, math, literature, art. In light of the fact that three out of the four Walls children became successful, productive members of society, what do you think is more important to children’s development: comfortable living conditions or an enriching intellectual environment?

“I wanted to join some club or group or organization where I could feel I belonged" (203). Why? What happens? What about you? What do you do to feel like you belong?

Rose Mary tells Jeannette, “Life is full of tragedy and comedy…You should learn to enjoy the comic episodes a little more” (129). What other good pieces of advice do Rose Mary and Rex give their children? In what ways are Rose Mary and Rex good advisors/counselors to their children?

How do Jeannette’s parents explain the “skedaddle?” How do they justify all the moves? What are Jeannette and her siblings’ reactions to constantly moving?

When the Walls family moves to Little Hobart Street, they quickly descend into impoverished living conditions. How does Jeannette cope with the deficiencies in her life? Discuss at least one specific example.

Jeannette Walls has said that people in all walks of life have written to her to say that even though her story is “so weird and so bizarre,” they can relate to it in some way. What does this say about families? In what ways did each of you relate to the story? If you could not relate to the story, explain why not.

Guiding Questions

How do we define family? How do families differ? How are they the same?

How does our family influence our identity?

Are family traditions important to maintain? Is there a time to break with them?